Hackers redirected millions of AOL email messages in 1998.

Computer "hacking" is the practice of surreptitiously (and usually illegally) using programming codes and Internet manipulations to alter the flow of normal Internet operations, damage computer files, steal information or generally cause harm and confusion. On this date in 1998, hackers broke through the firewalls at America Online, the world's largest Internet service provider, and altered the AOL email address, thus redirecting millions of email addresses. While this caused personal inconvenience to millions of individuals, there exists the potential for hackers to do even greater harm. Today, computers and the Internet help things to run more efficiently, but the increased dependence on this technology leaves our economy, infrastructure and even our national defense vulnerable to attack by hackers.

ReadWriteThink
Audience, Purpose, and Language Use in Electronic Messages (6–8) examines the language of electronic messages and how it affects other writing. It explores the freedom and creativity for using Internet abbreviations for specific purposes and examines the importance of a more formal style of writing based on audience. This lesson incorporates student handouts and links to a variety of Web resources.

E-pals Around the World (6–8) provides an exciting way to build literacy skills in the classroom. Students learn appropriate formats for writing friendly letters and e-mail messages. Not only do students develop their reading and writing abilities, but they learn about other cultures, languages and geographic areas.

By comparing, sending and receiving e-mail replies, students explore issues of reply format and content with audience needs and expectations in mind in Write Right Back: Recognizing Readers' Needs and Expectations for E-mail Replies (K–2).

Naming in a Digital World: Creating a Safe Persona on the Internet (9–12) explores the issues involved in building digital personas through e-mail addresses, screen names and online profiles.

Science NetLinks
The Science Update Lying on Email (6–12) describes a recent study that explored the challenge in detecting lies and cons over e-mail.

EDSITEment
In The Language Bank (9–12), EDSITEment offers several suggestions for using the internet to study foreign languages, including the use of e-mail pen pals.